The abducted teachers and students from Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State have finally regained their freedom.
Presidential spokesperson and Special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga disclosed the development on Friday.
Onanuga, on his verified X handle, announced that the victims had been released by their abductors.
He wrote ““Finally, the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been freed by their abductors.”
Recall that terrorists abducted the victims after launching a deadly attack on three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15.
Meanwhile, the development comes after well after two months in captivity.
As of the time of this report, there is no official statement from the government, nor is there any indication that a ransom was paid for the release of the students and teachers.
The long road to freedom
No fewer than 39 people, including teachers and a principal, were abducted during the incident along. The incident triggered widespread outrage, with anxious parents staging protests and repeatedly calling on both the Oyo State Government and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts.
The development further worsened following the death of one of the teachers whom the abductors brutally beheaded.
In the days that followed, the kidnappers released a series of disturbing videos showing the captives, including the school principal, pleading for help and urging authorities to meet the abductors’ demands.
The footage heightened public concern and fuelled criticism over the pace of the rescue operation. Despite mounting pressure, the Nigerian Army, police, and other security agencies consistently assured the public that intensive, intelligence-led operations were underway to secure the victims’ release without compromising their safety.
Read Also: Oyo Pupils Still In Captivity, Rescue Operations Ongoing- Army Chief
Backstory…
The incident sparked wide spread protests across the nation with calls for president Tinubu’s resignation over insecurity with many residents questioning how armed groups were able to carry out such a large-scale school abduction.
In return for the kidnapped students and teachers, the terrorists allegedly demanded the release of two of their commanders.
According to security personnel familiar with the rescue effort, soldiers blocked all potential escape routes from the forest, making it difficult for the terrorists to move their captives.
Watch the video here
